While we cannot change the fact that there are considerable expenses involved in adopting internationally, we are concerned that the expenses often make adopting prohibitive for wonderful families willing to share their heart and home with a child. We want you to know that there is good news for adoptive parents! Because of raised awareness of adoption and the efforts of many agencies, legislators, company executives, and adoptive parents – more funding and resources are available today than ever before.Chuck Grbich, is a financial planner with A.G. Edwards and Children of the World, Inc. adoptive parent who sponsors seminars in Missouri on how you can afford your adoption. Click here for details as to dates and times.Free Information Booklet The National Endowment for Financial Education has prepared a free 78 page booklet titled "How to Make Adoption an Affordable Option". The booklet was prepared to inform adoptive parents about the range of financial assistance options that may be available. The booklet is available at no cost by sending an email to the National Adoption Information Clearing House (NAIC), or you may download the booklet from the National Endowment for Financial Education NEFE Website. Federal Tax Credit Effective January 2, 2002, the Federal Tax Credit has been increased to $10,000 per child. For general tax questions please visit the IRS Law Website. This tax credit has been updated to $10,150.
Missouri State Tax Credits Residents of Missouri are eligible for a $10,000.00 tax credit. This credit can be taken in conjunction with the Federal Tax Credit. It can also be carried forward for up to five years or $10,000.00,whichever comes first. A unique feature of the tax credit is that it can be sold or transferred to someone who is a higher state tax bracket. An employer who makes the money available to the adoptive family can also take the tax credit.
Employer Adoption Benefits There are presently many corporations who offer Adoption Assistance Programs (AAPs) and/or Adoption Benefits Packages (ABPs). These programs often include partial reimbursement for adoption expenses ranging from $2000 to $10,000 and possibly additional “family leave". Click Here to see a partial listing of companies which offer Adoption Benefits.If your employer does not presently offer an AAP or ABP, you may want to contact The National Adoption Foundation at 1-800-TO-ADOPT or visit The National Adoption Foundation website to request the "Advocating for Adoption Benefits" sample benefits package to present to your employer. Adoption benefits are considered good personnel practice, and qualified adoption plans receive favorable treatment from the IRS on the companies tax returns. You may also use our form letter to write to your employer to request additional adoption benefits. The submission of the completed form letter may convince your employer to add adoption benefits to their benefits package. Click Here to view a document that you may edit for submission to your employer.Many families have been successful in having their employers adopt a wonderful Adoption Benefits Package!Certain California residents who adopt are now going to be eligible for 6 weeks of paid leave from their employers under a progressive new law. California is the first state in the country to create a such a comprehensive paid family leave program, and we hope this version is soon followed by other states. While current state and federal law guarantee 12 weeks of unpaid leave for those working for larger employers, California's new law guarantees that 6 of those weeks would be paid. If you are a California resident, visit the "Labor Project for Working Families" website for more information.Corporate Matching Gifts These programs may be considered part of your employer's adoption assistance program or a separate program where your employer may match certain monies paid and/or charitable donations paid to an international adoption agency to help complete your adoption.Military Non-recurring Program There is a one-time subsidy program available to full-time military personnel. Although the amounts are subject to change, currently adoptive families can receive up to $2000 per child or $5000 maximum for siblings for adoption related expenses. Reimbursement is made only after the adoption is finalized and only if the adoption was completed through a state licensed public or private non-profit adoption agency. NOTE: You can not claim this reimbursement if you work with a private attorney, a for-profit licensed adoption agency or facilitator to complete your adoption.Non-recurring Federal Adoption Program There is a one-time federal adoption subsidy, administered by the states, to include foreign-born children adopted by US Citizens. Amounts vary by state up to $2,000 per child and require that the child meet state criteria for subsidy. Many states, whether or not they allow the Federal Subsidy, also offer a State Tax Credit for adoption. Some states will require that the child possess a special need to qualify for this assistance. Many internationally adopted children may still qualify. Be persistent, every little bit helps. To learn more about your specific state requirements, ask your home study social worker or contact the NACAC’s Adoption Subsidy Resource Center at 800-470-6665.Adoption Grants & Interest Free LoansA Child Waits Foundation A Child Waits Foundation is a non-profit, charitable foundation that makes low cost loans to families adopting internationally. Eligibility to obtain a loan is based on financial need and each case is judged individually. Information about the foundation and application forms can be found on the A Child Waits website, by calling 866-999-2445 or by sending an email to the A Child Waits Foundation.Acres of Hope Acres of Hope is a non-profit charitable foundation dedicated to providing educational information, emotional support, parent-to-parent support, advocacy services, financial assistance, and a loan program of items helpful to families dealing with children of physical and emotional challenges. In addition, their mission is to promote greater community understanding, acceptance and support for families involved in adopting special needs children cross-racially and cross-culturally. You can visit the Acres of Hope website or you can contact them at:Acres of Hope, Inc.Patty Anglin, Executive DirectorRoute 1, Box 97Mason, WI 54856Tel: (715) 765-4118You can also send Acres of Hope an email.Christian Adoption Resources Christian Adoption Resources is a grant organization based in Mt. Joy, Pennsylvania. You can visit the Christian Adoption Resources website or you can contact them at: Christian Adoption Resources, Inc. P.O. Box 253 Mount Joy, PA 17552 Tel: (717) 492-1868 Gift of Adoption Fund Applicants who apply to the Gift of Adoption Fund must have an approved home study and who demonstrate financial need. Gift of Adoption Fund usually gives a preference to applicants who are experiencing extraordinary hardship (i.e. adopting a medical needs child and/or situational hardship on the part of the parents or child). Grant amounts vary between $2,000-$5,000. Applicants are reviewed and grants are awarded monthly. You may apply for a grant up to 3 times. A one-time twenty dollar application fee is required. Information about the Gift of Adoption Fund can be found on the Gift of Adoption Fund website, by calling 877-905-ADOP (2367) or by sending an email to the Gift of Adoption Fund.Ibsen Adoption Network Ibsen Adoption Network is a private, Christian, non-profit organization that is dedicated to encouraging the adoption of special needs children through education, support and financial assistance to families who live in Washington State. Grants average $1500 per family. You may contact the Ibsen Adoption Network at:Ibsen Adoption Network2730 French Road NWOlympia, WA 98502Tel: (360) 866-7036
Kingdom Kids Adoption Ministries
Kingdom Kids Ministries is a non profit ministry that
assists families with raising money for adoption expenses. Kingdom Kids
Ministries program is unique in that, unlike traditional grant programs they can
help almost every family who applies. You may
visit their website for
more information or contact them at:
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